Countdown to Prom: Dr. Wu's Oatmeal Cookie Scrub for Perfect Skin

by Phillip Picardi

Image via Bollare PR

When it comes to skincare, I am a die-hard advocate of DIY: Every product in my kitchen cupboard, be it coconut oil, Greek yogurt, or apple cider vinegar, has been used for some miscellaneous beauty purpose. Before a big night out or an important event, I often do an at-home facial using food ingredients because it's all-natural, gentle, and a fantastic quick fix! I was recently on the hunt for a great pre-prom concoction when I saw this recipe for an "Oatmeal Cookie Scrub" from Dr. Jessica Wu, the ever-chic L.A. dermatologist and author of new beauty tome Feed Your Face. "I love dessert, so this is one of my favorite scrubs," Dr. Wu says. "And it's especially good for oily skin and acne."

For extra hydration (which I needed), she advises adding more honey and yogurt as you go. Apply the mixture to the face, let it dry, rinse it off thoroughly, and enjoy your new glow! "The oats contain proteins that help dissolve oil, and the yogurt has lactic acid to help unclog pores," Dr. Wu explains.

She also adds that oatmeal offers other beauty benefits aside from what it does when sitting atop your face in a muddy concoction. (Who knew?!) "The most important thing you can do is eat a good breakfast. It keeps your blood sugar stable and your skin calm for the rest of the day," she stresses.

Does this mean my venti-black-coffee-and-croissant-combo is good for my skin? "I don't mean just any breakfast. Cereal, muffins, and danishes are high in sugar, which can make your oil glands pump out more oil." Instead of pimple-causing pastries, Dr. Wu encourages eating hearty proteins for your morning meal. "Eggs with whole wheat toast, oatmeal with dried fruit on top, and a whole grain bagel with peanut butter" are some breakfast options that are doctor-approved!